recess
word
/ˈɹisɛs/, /ɹɪˈsɛs/
REE-ses (noun), ri-SES (verb)
/ˈɹisɛs/, /ɹɪˈsɛs/
REE-ses (noun), ri-SES (verb)
Definition
A short break or period of free time, especially in schools when children can play or rest. It can also mean an official pause in meetings, courts, or other formal settings.
Usage & Nuances
'Recess' is most often used in American English for school breaks; in British English, 'break' is more common. In legal or official meetings, 'recess' means a temporary pause. Do not confuse with 'reset' (to start over). Common phrases: 'at recess', 'court is in recess'.
Spanish: recreo - receso (formal, legal)Portuguese (BR): recreio - recesso (jurídico, formal)Portuguese (PT): intervalo - recreio - recesso (judicial, formal)Chinese (Simplified): 课间休息 - 休庭 (法律)Chinese (Traditional): 下課時間 - 休庭 (法律)Hindi: अवकाश - विराम (कानूनी)Arabic: استراحة - تأجيل الجلسة (قانوني)Bengali: বিরতি - অবকাশRussian: перемена - перерыв (официальный)Japanese: 休み時間 - 休廷（裁判など）Vietnamese: giờ ra chơi - thời gian tạm nghỉ (chính thức)Korean: 쉬는 시간 - 휴정 (공식 회의나 법정)Turkish: teneffüs - ara (resmî toplantı/duruşma)Urdu: وقفہ - عدالت میں وقفہIndonesian: istirahat - masa istirahat (resmi)
Example Sentences
The children play outside during recess.
basic
There is a recess after the first lesson.
basic
The court went into recess for lunch.
natural
Kids look forward to recess every day.
natural
Let's talk more about that after recess.
natural
We eat snacks at recess.
basic